Evidence-based analysis of risk factors for sudden cardiac death.

Identifying risk factors to predict sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an important area of investigation. Current techniques are limited. Several issues result in limitations in the design and interpretation of studies focused on risk stratification to identify patients at risk for fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmias. These include the uncertainty in the identification of SCD, the plurality of causes of SCD, and the complexity of the pathophysiology of the development of fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Understanding the ways in which evidence is accumulated to identify a risk factor for SCD and the strength of evidence that is required for clinical decision-making, as opposed to identifying associations, are critical steps to advancing the field.